James J. Orlando

OBITUARY

“James Joseph (Jim) Orlando, 94, passed away peacefully on July 4th, 2026. Born on November 13, 1931, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania’s Third Ward, Jim was the son of Michael D. Orlando and Jean Frances Orlando (née Cavanaugh). He graduated from Bethlehem Catholic High School in 1951. As a teenager, Jim was affectionately known as “Sookie,” a nickname that stayed with him among lifelong friends and family. Following high school, he briefly pursued a calling to the priesthood by entering a Franciscan seminary. With his characteristic wit, he would later joke that he left because “they weren’t feeding me enough.” Jim began his career at Bethlehem Steel before enlisting in the United States Army. While stationed in Germany, he worked with heavy machinery and found time to box. His boxing skills were recognized with an invitation to Stillman’s Gym in New York City. Determined to continue serving others, Jim attended East Stroudsburg College, where he earned his degree and certification in Special Education, followed by a Master of Education in Trenton, NJ. He dedicated his professional life to teaching students in the Bethlehem school district, and over the years taught at Washington Elementary School, Governor Wolf Elementary School, East Hills Junior High School, and Nitschmann Junior High School. Beyond the classroom, he coached basketball and wrestling and volunteered with the Special Olympics Track and Field for many years. He was also a proud and active member of the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA), believing strongly in supporting both educators and labor throughout his career. Outside of work, Jim was an avid sports fan. Few things brought him as much enjoyment as watching a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game, and family and friends knew that Cardinals baseball and singing the hits of Tony Orlando and Dawn was simply part of the rhythm of his life. Above all else, Jim treasured his family. To his grandchildren and those who loved him most, he was simply “Pop Pop.” He shared 57 years of marriage with the love of his life, Yvonne Orlando, whose memory he cherished every day after her passing. Jim is lovingly remembered by his daughters, Sheila Garrett (Rickey) of Birmingham, Alabama, and Jennifer Orlando of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; his son, Dominick Orlando of Allentown, Pennsylvania; his grandchildren, Amanda Mattes (Daniel) of Atlanta, Georgia, and Le Garrett of Birmingham, Alabama; and his sisters, Mary Lindeman (Kenny) of Lehighton, Pennsylvania, and Jenny Schnettler (Connie) of Walnutport, Pennsylvania. He was preceded in death by his wife, Yvonne Orlando; his daughter, Victoria; his parents; his sisters, Loretta and Georgine; and his brothers, John Francis, Joseph, and Michael.” Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00AM on Friday July 10, 2026, at Immaculate Conception Church in Allentown. Calling Hours are 8:30-9:50AM in the church vestibule. Arrangements have been entrusted to the O’Donnell Funeral Home in Allentown. www.odonnellfuneralhomes.com